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‘We Can Solve’ Soldier Suicides, General Says

By Army Staff Sgt. Jim GreenhillNational Guard Bureau

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 3, 2010  More vigilant leadership, pre-screening recruits for compatibility with military service and better post-deployment follow up are among solutions proposed by the acting director of the Army National Guard for stemming soldier suicides.

Army Maj. Gen. Raymond W. Carpenter, the acting director of the Army National Guard, addresses the 132nd General Conference of the National Guard Association of the United States in Austin, Texas, Aug. 21, 2010. Carpenter proposed more vigilant leadership, pre-screening recruits for compatibility with military service and better post-deployment follow up as among solutions for stemming soldier suicides. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Speaking at a breakout session of 132nd general conference of the National Guard Association of the United States here Aug. 21, Army Maj. Gen. Raymond W. Carpenter sounded the alarm about the Army’s current high suicide rate.

"We [could] be at 100 suicides by the end of this year," said Carpenter, who periodically briefs Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, the Army’s vice chief of staff, on the Army Guard's suicide rate and specific cases.

In one recent suicide case, Carpenter recalled, a person had enlisted in the active Army and was “chaptered out” during basic training, meaning he was separated for inability to perform, or for lack of effort, or failure to adapt to the military, or for discipline issues.

This person later re-enlisted in the National Guard and failed basic training again - this time after a fight, Carpenter said.

Carpenter said this individual enlisted a third time - again in the Guard - and completed basic and advanced training and then returned home, where he had behavioral problems. Personal issues that culminated in the young soldier’s suicide, he said, included an injury, prescription drug and alcohol abuse, and employment and marriage problems. The soldier, he said, had never deployed.

"I would not deny that young soldier help," Carpenter said. "But we've got to figure out whether [such] people are the kind of people who are going to be able to be soldiers in our formations and do what is asked of them by this country.

"We as an organization should have taken a long look at whether that young man was compatible with military service,” he continued. “Three times, and he finally got in.”

The issue of soldier suicides “isn't a deployment problem,” Carpenter said, noting that the majority of suicides are committed by younger soldiers.

“It has to do with significant emotional events in their lives, but beyond that, it has to do with their ability to cope," the general said.

A third piece of the solution was suggested by a second case of soldier suicide that Carpenter said he had briefed to senior leaders. In this case, he said, the soldier had mobilized and deployed. On his post-deployment health assessment, the soldier said he’d experienced suicidal thoughts, had possible post-traumatic stress and slept poorly. The soldier also said he needed help.

The troubled soldier met with Veterans Affairs health care providers at least once and was prescribed medication, Carpenter said. However, he said, the soldier had discouraged his wife from talking with his unit to seek further help.

The lesson is that leaders must be more assertive and involved to help troubled soldiers before issues mushroom, the general said.

"We talk about being part of the Guard family," Carpenter said. "We're going to have to walk the walk instead of talk the talk. ... The soldier is the center of gravity.

"Committing suicide is not a viable alternative. ... We've got to get to the person who is making that decision. ... We have to make that a priority," the general added.

Carpenter highlighted National Guard-sponsored suicide prevention programs in Arkansas, California, New Hampshire and New Jersey.

"There are some great things going on out there," he said. "Every state has a great program."

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9/3/2010 3:55:14 PM
My son a Marine Reserve took his life this past December. He nor we realized what a lethal enemy he was dealing with. The Reserves need to be counseled and monitored too. Too many of these soldiers fall through the cracks. We tried through civilian counseling and the counselor said &quot;stay out of his business&quot;. Too many counselors are untrained and do not see PTSD as the medical issue that it is. Families should be educated beforehand because many times the guys themselves do not have a clue why they are doing the things they do and try and overcome on their own. A psychiatrist from UCLA said that people undergoing these problems many times do not see it themselves so leaders have got engage this disorder as a medical problem and not just a discipline issue. Please help our soldiers.- Sara, Arkansas

9/3/2010 12:22:02 PM
I noticed that the article focuses on young soldiers and what could or should be done to assist them. The article also mentioned part of the problem is the soldier's inability to cope. I do agree, especially when a young soldier is deployed to an environment that they have only witnessed on-screen (television, movies, games, etc.). However, I feel the article should have mentioned suicide among older solders as well. I speak of this group because It is no surprise that there have been instances of soldiers in the 27 to 50 yr age group that have committed suicide, or have (or had) suicidal thoughts stemming from being deployment, marriage, financial, etc... I feel the focus should be towards ALL soldiers, regardless of age and should also include enlisted, commissioned, as well as the retired. A joint effort between our active defense department and our Veteran's administration would be ideal to help our soldiers in any way possible.- T. Russell, Alexandria, VA